Yes, October has barely begun, but it's time to hit the shops, break your back attempting to get all the decorations out of the loft and pretend you've never heard 'Fairytale of New York' (again).

Yes, Christmas is here (sort of, just go with it) and it's time to spunk an absurd amount of money on a bunch of reprobates you occasionally talk to/argue on the internet.

Important information:

Budget
No min/max figure, but don't go mental. More than anything, a sign that you've put some effort into finding stuff out about your victim, be that be via forum posts, social media or actual address stalking.

Who's in?
Absolutely everyone on the forum if you're up for it, irrespective of country. If you're from sunnier climates, obviously you need to be mindful of postage times/costs (and vice versa if you are sending abroad).

What you need to do
Confirm if you would like to participate right here. I will make a note of your forum username and then play the waiting game. See dates below for timeline.

What's next?

Key Dates

Monday 31 October: Confirm you'd like to take part. It would be really handy if, once you have done that, you could PM me your address at the same time (as long as you're not planning a move). If you would prefer not to have an overseas victim (that's totally cool, let me know in the PM.

Tuesday 1 November Official B&B Xmas draw made. I will send you a PM with your victim and their address.

Rest of November Stalking season. Get to know your victim within an inch of a restraining order being slapped on you.

December Post to your recipient, being mindful of the country they reside in and the final posting dates for that area (see http://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/Latest-Recommended-Posting-Dates-2016-Consumer.pdf for more information, but if you are unsure at all, please feel free to drop me a line). According to last year's event, the wonderful @Stopharage advised that Royal Mail sometimes change their final posting dates occasionally, especially overseas) so please be mindful of that. Best to err on the side of caution and make sure you post a couple of weeks before the recommended date, you know, just to be sure.

December 25
(1) Unwrap your gifts. Absolutely no early openers at all - there is a special place in hell reserved for you and your ilk.
(2) Explain their significance to your loved ones/in-laws/pets. Try not to look too awkward.
(3) Post pictures on here. The more detailed the better!
(4) Feel amazing about yourself and this wonderful online portal we call home.
(5) Get drunk.

Early Openers
Just to reiterate if I wasn't clear enough before, early opening is frowned upon. See these posts from last year (okay the year before last).

OK, someone has really gone to an insane amount of effort this year. I just got home to find a large box waiting, and opened it to find all of this: All numbered from 1-25 in an advent calendar of gifts. Really quite amazing. Thank you Secret Santa (I'm assuming it is from here). I'll open no. 1 now...

And finally......

It would be lovely to have as many people as possible. If money is tight, make something personal that you think/know your recipient would like, scour Ebay for some cheap but cheerful gift(s) that you know your victim would appreciate. It really is the thought that counts and anyone who thinks otherwise is a stinky Grinch.